The Kota Baru Municipal Council (MPKB) announced that it would no longer tolerate indecent dressing by women - both Muslim and non-Muslim. It is plans to impose a fine of RM500 on Muslim women found to sport such dressing which they describe as 'sexy'.

Any move to educate people to dress decently should be welcomed. In fact, not only Islam but all religions also preach that good morals and decent dressing are important. It has to be emphasised however, that morality is not just about dressing alone. Morality involves a wholesome behaviour that embraces all the virtuous human values.

Civic mindedness, respect for elders, upholding the laws of the country, being courteous and caring for the underprivileged are all important aspects of good morality. So are honesty and integrity in all our actions. A decently-attired individual need not necessarily be a morally righteous person.

The authorities should work to arrest the deteriorating standard of morality in our society instead of being obsessed with what women wear. Will enforcing a rigid dress code curb the sex-related social ills in our society such as illicit sex, adultery, abortions, incest and rape?

It is very sad that even those who are supposed to be role models for our children appear to be leading immoral lives themselves. What we need is not a strict dress code for our women but a proper education to inculcate good values in our people especially the young.

In fact, the majority of our women are mature enough and have the appropriate sense of dressing and do not need legislation to enforce what they wear, which is actually a basic individual right.

I am sure like all other town councils, MPKB, has other pressing issues to handle. Instead of being a moral police, it should give priority to these other pressing issues. It should find ways to improve the livelihood of the residents of Kota Baru, concentrate on cleaning the drains and parks, collecting rubbish and providing other amenities they are entrusted with to provide.